The main IRS number is 800-829-1040. It’s a toll-free number that you can use for any tax concern. There are also other IRS numbers that you can use to shorten the process and go directly to offices that handle specific issues. We’ve collected a list of numbers that will help you go directly to the office that has the information you need.
Important Note
As of April 16, 2020, the IRS has made several moves that affect customer service as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
- The deadline for filing 2019 tax returns is extended until July 15.
- The IRS is still accepting tax returns and sending refunds.
- All IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers nationwide are closed. All face-to-face service has been stopped.
- IRS live phone assistance is not available at this time. Look for help on the irs.gov website.
If you expect a refund, your best bet is to file your tax return electronically using the IRS’s free file and select the “direct deposit” option for payment of your refund.
Monitor the irs.gov site for information on when live phone assistance will be restored.
Key IRS Phone Numbers for Taxpayers
These numbers provide assistance to taxpayers with specific problems. Be sure that you have the right number for your situation. If your question doesn’t fall into one of these categories, call the main IRS number and ask for assistance.
| If you need to check the status of your refund. | 800-829-1954 |
| If your refund has been held and you need to check its status. | 866-897-3315 |
| If you have a question about tax forms and publications. | 800-829-3676 |
| If you have a question about your balance due. | 800-829-0922 |
| If you want to make a payment through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. | 800-555-4477 (Eng) 800-244-4829 (Span) |
| If you wish to make a credit card payment. | 888-972-9829 |
| If your IRS check was lost. | 800-829-1954 |
| If you need to reach the Taxpayer Advocate Service. | 877-777-4778 |
| If you need to reach the international Taxpayer Advocate Service. | 787-522-8601 (Eng) 787-522-8600 (Span) |
| If you’re a victim of identity theft or refund theft. | 800-908-4490 |
| If you’re a disaster victim. | 866-562-5227 |
| If you’re a taxpayer located outside the US. | 267-941-1000 |
| If you want to report a scam. | 800-366-4484 |
| If you want to check the validity of an IRS agent’s name and badge number. | 800-366-4484 |
| If you’re a self-employed taxpayer with tax law or account questions. | 800-829-4933 |
| If you have a question about estate and gift taxes. | 866-699-4083 |
| If you have a question about excise taxes. | 866-699-4096 |
| If you amended your tax return and want to check its status. | 866-464-2050 |
| If you want to order a tax transcript. | 800-908-9946 |
| If you need to report incorrect income on a substitute return. | 866-681-4271 |
| If you have a question about a tax lien. | 800-913-6050 |
| If you have a question about bankruptcy and tax debt. | 800-973-0424 |
| If you need to know more about innocent spouse relief. | 866-681-4271 |
| If you have lost your ITIN documents. | 800-908-9982 |
| If you’re asking about the status of an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number. | 737-800-5511 |
| If you are hearing-impaired. | 800-829-0433 |
Local IRS Services
There is at least one local taxpayer assistance center in every state. You will have to make an appointment if you prefer face-to-face assistance. Call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment.
There is also at least one Taxpayer Advocate Center in every state. Taxpayer Advocate Centers are accountable to the National Taxpayer Advocate and are not connected to local IRS offices.
You can check the list of Taxpayer Assistance Offices and Taxpayer Advocate centers for details on local offices.
Beware of Scams
If someone claiming to represent the IRS calls you, be careful. It is very unusual for the IRS to initiate person-to-person contact with a taxpayer. There are several things that the IRS will not do.
- Threaten to revoke a license or immigration status.
- Threaten you with arrest by police, immigration authorities or any other means.
- Ask you to pay taxes with a wire transfer, gift card or any other unconventional arrangement.
- Use email, social media or text to contact you.
- Call you to ask for a payment.
If someone calls you and tries to do any of these things, the caller is not from the IRS and you are being targeted by a scammer. Hang up and report the contact to the IRS.
In Closing
The IRS provides information and assistance on a wide variety of subjects. You may be able to get your questions answered faster if you make direct contact with the office that handles your concern.
Remember that at this time it is likely that none of these numbers will work, as the IRS has suspended all phone-based assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Check the irs.gov website for information on when phone-based assistance will be restored.
